Polye blasts Minister Maru for engaging a questionable company

Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye has queried whether an Isreali company engaged by a minister in his electorate is reputable.

Mr Polye has slammed the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru for engaging LR group of companies, which was allegedly involved in the controversial generator deal at a cost of K144 million, (excluding K8 million for spare parts).

“Why are the Prime Minister and his minister continuously supporting daylight corruption?

“It is because they have an interest in the company or is the company the only one which provides this service?” Polye questioned.

He has tasked the Prime Minister and his minister to explain to the Papua New Guineans why they are engaging this company which has ‘squandered taxpayers’ money through the generator deal.’ 

“I understand the company has also been engaged to build a mini-hydro in Wabag, Enga province.

“Are my fellow politicians dummy or blind to engage this company or is someone superior imposing on them for its engagement?” he enquired.

The Opposition Leader has called on the National Suppliers and Tenders Board chairman to do duly checks on such companies, which oncehave had no respect for the country’s laws.

“When we are in government, we will ask these companies through laws to reimburse money made through such questionable deals. We will empower locally-owned SMEs.

“Our alternative government will also encourage strategic alliance between our local companies and international companies, which do have the capacity so that our people will no longer be spectators in their own land,” a determined Polye said.